BREAKING NEWS: Nigeria’s Hajj Allocation Jumps to 60,000 as Saudi Grants 10,000 Extra Slots
The additional allocation, secured through sustained Nigeria-Saudi engagement, will give State Pilgrims Welfare Boards 7,500 slots and lead tour operators 2,500 for the 2027 pilgrimage.
By Abdullahi Yusuf
Saudi Arabia has approved an additional 10,000 Hajj slots for Nigeria for the 2027 pilgrimage, raising the country’s total allocation from 50,000 to 60,000 pilgrims.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) announced the approval on Thursday, saying it followed sustained high-level diplomatic engagements between the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Of the additional 10,000 slots, 7,500 will be allocated to State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards, Agencies and Commissions, while 2,500 will go to seven lead Hajj tour operator companies.
The additional allocation expands Nigeria’s existing 50,000-slot quota to 60,000 for the 2027 Hajj.
NAHCON Chairman/CEO, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for its support and commitment to the Hajj sector and the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims.
Yusuf also thanked the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, particularly the Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, and the Deputy Minister, Dr Abdul Fattah bin Sulaiman Mashat, for the additional allocation and continued cooperation with Nigeria.
The NAHCON chairman said the increased allocation reflected the longstanding relations between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia and their cooperation in facilitating the Hajj journey of Nigerian pilgrims.
He assured that the additional slots would be administered judiciously and transparently, in compliance with applicable Nigerian and Saudi Arabian regulations and operational requirements.
The Commission said it would work with State Pilgrims Welfare Boards, Agencies and Commissions as well as licensed private tour operators in administering the additional allocation.
NAHCON also reaffirmed its commitment to making Hajj affordable and accessible to Nigerians while maintaining standards of service delivery, regulatory compliance, accountability and operational efficiency.
The Commission said it would continue working with Saudi authorities and other stakeholders towards a well-coordinated 2027 Hajj and the protection of the welfare and interests of Nigerian pilgrims.
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